Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public higher-research university located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, Arizona. More than 22,600 students attend the university in Flagstaff, with 10,400 living on campus. NAU is well-known for its excellent academic programmes and student-centred approach to higher education. Flagstaff is a vibrant mountain town with an exciting entertainment scene and unparalleled natural scenery, only 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon and 3.5 hours from Las Vegas. Flagstaff offers an ideal, scenic environment for living and learning, with a four-season climate and dynamic landscapes, you’ll discover outdoor adventures unlike anywhere else in Arizona. Locally, you can visit the Lowell Observatory, Arizona Snowbowl, Aquatic and Tennis Complex, which is one of the finest high-altitude swimming facilities in the world. If snowboarding and stargazing isn’t your thing, enjoy 50 miles of running tracks, hiking and mountain biking trails at the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. The college sports teams are known as the Lumberjacks.

It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.

Student at Antelope Canyon
NAU sign
students in the snow
students in a car

Who can study here?

Swansea has a ‘university-wide’ partnership with this university which means that it is open to all subject areas except for Media Studies, Social Policy, Economics, Politics & IR or Law.
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.

Important information

ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs August to May. 

COSTS: The cost of living in Arizona will vary depending on the type of accommodation and meal plan you select. More information on estimated costs for exchange students is available here

VISA: You will need a J-1 exchange visa and will be required to provide financial evidence of at least $18.368 per academic year, based on the 2024-2025 academic year. (subject to change). Your host university will provide you with more information about the application process. To apply for a visa, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee of approx $220 plus an appliction fee of approx $185. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on the US Embassy website: https://uk.usembassy.gov/applying-f-1-j-1-visa/ You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it.

ACCOMMODATION: On campus accommodation is available but, it is limited so it is recommended that you apply for housing immediately upon receiving the admissions email. 

HEALTH INSURANCE: You will be required to purchase mandatory health insurance for your time at NAU. ALL exchange students are required to purchase the NAU Student Health Insurance plan.  

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